Keep Movin’ On in Trinidad and Tobago : the complexities of COVID-19 on dance and dance education

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic entered Trinidad and Tobago on 12 March 2020. We immediately went into lockdown and borders were officially closed to all travellers, including nationals. The Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, cancelled Carnival for 2021 on 28 September 2020. This was devastating news for a culture and economy dependent on the celebrations. The pandemic took a toll on the mental health and well-being of everybody, but the arts were particularly struck hard. How did this impact the sector of dance in the community and in education? What are some ways that people still engaged online with dance in education and in performance? Through a mixed-method approach, this paper reflects on the cultural aspects of dance in Trinidad and Tobago and how the pandemic altered ways of dance education, social engagement, and technology.